The Minister for Defence Science and Personnel Warren Snowdon and the Minister for Defence Materiel Mike Kelly today announced changes to the way in which military superannuation retirement pay will be indexed for the Defence Forces Retirement Benefits (DFRB) scheme and the Defence Force Retirement and Death Benefits (DFRDB) scheme.

The schemes were closed in 1972 and 1991, respectively.

From 1 July 2014, payments to military superannuants aged 65 and over, within the DFRB and DFRDB schemes, will be indexed to the higher of the Consumer Price Index (CPI) or the Pensioner and Beneficiary Living Cost Index (PBLCI).

The estimated cost over four years is $34 million. Currently, there are some 56,500 superannuants in the two schemes and approximately 26,700 are aged 65 and over who will benefit from this announcement.

This measure strikes the right balance by assisting many of our older military retirees while being fiscally responsible in the current economic climate.

PBLCI was first used as an indexation factor for the age pension in September 2009 and the Government has decided to include it in the indexation of military superannuation retirement pay for the two schemes.

The Government acknowledges the advocacy of ex-service organisations on this issue and in particular the Returned and Services League of Australia and the Defence Force Welfare Association.

Today’s announcement builds on a comprehensive program of support and recognition by the Australian Government for our veteran community since 2007.

The Government will continue its commitment to engage with service and ex-service organisations to consider the benefits and support available to our current and former service personnel.

Media contacts:

Minister Snowdon’s office: Marcus Butler (02) 6277 7820

Dr Kelly’s Office: Robbie Rynehart (02) 6277 7730 or 0459 810 654

Defence Media Operations (02) 6127 1999